Government - Schweitzer for more public leadership from Scholz
The future Rhineland-Palatinate Minister President Alexander Schweitzer desires a more active role from Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (both SPD). "It must be clearer that Olaf Scholz is leading this country and not just acting as a moderator in the coalition," Schweitzer told the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" (Wednesday edition).
"He is, in my personal experience, an excellent politician," emphasized the 50-year-old, who is set to be elected as the successor to Malu Dreyer (SPD) in the Rhineland-Palatinate Landtag on Wednesday. "I would wish for him to appear more frequently in public, as he does in small circles – clever, clear, with his personal wit, his charm – he is unbeatable when he does that."
Regarding whether Scholz is the right SPD candidate for Chancellor, Schweitzer answered: "Yes, of course." However, he will not be a self-starter for the next federal election. Until then, the SPD needs to complete several homework assignments. "It needs to go well in strengthening employment for women and men. Bringing about good economic development. Ensuring that external political conflict situations do not upset the domestic political mood as much as they do now."
According to the assessment of the currently incumbent Labor and Social Affairs Minister, there are no longer safe debate rooms within the traffic light coalition on the federal level. "Before the discussion is concluded, it is already being taken outside for political gain at the expense of the other," Schweitzer, who also heads a government coalition in Rhineland-Palatinate consisting of SPD, Greens, and FDP, stated. "That's poison for cooperation."
- In the upcoming Rhineland-Palatinate Landtag election, Malu Dreyer's successor, Alexander Schweitzer, has expressed a need for a more prominent role from Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, both being members of the SPD.
- Oberbürgermeister of Mainz and a SPD member, Olaf Scholz, has been praised by Alexander Schweitzer for his leadership strength and political acumen, despite his preference for fewer public appearances.
- During an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," Schweitzer expressed his belief in Scholz's suitability as the SPD's candidate for Chancellor, but highlighted the need for the party to address several key issues such as employment, economic growth, and external political conflicts before the next federal election.
- As both the incoming Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate and the head of a state-level coalition, Alexander Schweitzer is critical of the increasingly polarized debates within the federal traffic light coalition, emphasizing the need for cooperative dialogue that isn't exploited for political gain.
